Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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VENDING MACHINE
FIELD
[0001] The described embodiments generally relate to product dispensers,
such as
vending machines. In particular, embodiments relate to a vending machine
having a
vertically displaced product compartment.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Vending machines enable consumers to purchase a variety of
products, such as
foods, beverages, or other consumable goods on demand. As an alternative to
some retail
environments offering similar products for sale (such as, for example,
convenience stores
or kiosks), vending machines have a number of advantages. For example, some
vending
machines do not require the presence of an employee to complete a transaction,
thereby
lowering operating costs and making the machines an inexpensive means for
selling
goods to consumers. Further, some vending machines allow for quick and
efficient
transactions, enhancing a consumer's purchasing experience.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Some embodiments of the present invention provide vending machines
that can be
used in areas with limited space or limited floor space, or in areas of
convenience for
consumers that are not traditionally occupied by vending machines. They allow
a
consumer to conveniently select, purchase, and receive a product from a
dispensing port,
while the products are stored in a compartment that is out of the way.
[0004] For example, embodiments include vending machines for storing and
dispensing
products, where the vending machine includes a U-shaped housing, a product
compartment, and a dispensing port. The U-shaped housing includes a first
support wall
and a second support wall. The product compartment is elongated and displays a
row of
products to be vended. The product compartment extends horizontally between
the first
support wall and the second support wall. The product compartment includes a
top
surface and a bottom surface, and the space between the bottom surface and the
support
walls define a void below the product compartment. The dispensing port is
coupled to the
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product compartment, and a user may access the dispensing port to receive a
vended
product.
[0005] Embodiments also include a product dispenser, where the product
dispenser
includes a support structure, a product compartment, and a dispensing port.
The support
structure extends vertically from a floor. The product compartment stores
products to be
vended and extends horizontally from the support structure. The product
compartment
includes a top surface and a bottom surface that define a height of the
product
compartment. The product compartment is vertically elevated and supported by
the
support structure such that there is a space between the floor and the bottom
surface of the
product compartment, and the height of the product compartment is less than
the distance
between the floor and the bottom surface of the product compartment. The
dispensing
port is coupled to the product compartment, and a user may access the
dispensing port to
receive a vended product.
[0006] Embodiments also include a vending machine for storing and
dispensing products,
where the vending machine includes a product compartment for storing products,
a
dispensing port, and a passage. The dispensing port is interconnected to but
spatially
separated from the product compartment. The passage has a first end and a
second end.
The first end of the passage is coupled to an opening in the product
compartment, and the
second end of the passage is coupled to an opening in the dispensing port.
During a
dispensing operation, a product in the product compartment is automatically
moved from
the product compartment, through the passage, and into the dispensing port. A
user may
access the dispensing port to receive a vended product.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form
part of the
specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together
with the
description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to
enable a person
skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the invention.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vending machine according to some
embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the vending machine of FIG.
1.
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100101 FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the vending machine of FIG. 1
in an
environment in which it may be used.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the vending machine of FIG. 1
in an
environment in which it may be used.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a vending machine according
to some
embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a top view of the vending machine of FIG 5.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a vending machine according
to some
embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a vending machine according
to some
embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 9A is a front perspective view of a vending machine according
to some
embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 9B is a rear perspective view of the vending machine of FIG.
9A.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a vending machine according
to some
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The present invention(s) will now be described in detail with
reference to
embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References to
"one
embodiment", "an embodiment", "an exemplary embodiment", etc., indicate that
the
embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic, but
every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature,
structure, or
characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the
same
embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic
is described in
connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge
of one
skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in
connection with other
embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
[0020] The self-contained nature of some vending machines may allow for
selective
placement of the machines in locations that maximize consumer convenience. In
fact, the
profitability of some vending machines may be significantly correlated with
the
placement of the vending machine in, or in proximity to, locations of
convenience for
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consumers, which may include areas of high consumer traffic. However, some
vending
machines may have designs and functionality that restrict the placement of the
machine to
locations with large amounts of available space and, in particular, large
amounts of
available floor space.
[0021] Some embodiments may provide flexibility in the placement of
product
dispensers, such as vending machines, by reducing the amount of floor space
that must be
dedicated solely to the machine. In this manner, some embodiments may provide
a
vending machine with a reduced vending footprint. Vending machines as
described herein
may include a product compartment for storing, displaying, and/or dispensing
products
(e.g. foods and/or beverages) that is interconnected to, but spatially
separated from, a
dispensing port whereby a consumer receives a vended product during a
dispensing
operation. This configuration may allow the dispensing port to be placed in a
convenient
location accessible by consumers, while the product compartment is spatially
separated
and out of the way.
[0022] Vending machines as described herein may include a product
compartment for
storing and dispensing products, a support structure that supports the product
compartment in an elevated position, an empty space beneath the product
compartment
such that, for example, other structures may occupy the space beneath the
product
compartment, and a dispensing port coupled to and disposed beneath the product
compartment whereby a consumer receives a vended product during a dispensing
operation. Vending machines according to some embodiments may be used, for
example,
in spaces that may not traditionally be occupied by vending machines, such as
in
proximity to gas station pumps (see, for example, FIG. 3).
[0023] Vending machines as described herein may include a product
compartment for
storing and dispensing products, a support structure that supports the product
compartment in an elevated position, an empty space beneath the product
compartment of
sufficient height and width such that a human may walk beneath the product
compartment, and a dispensing port coupled to and disposed beneath the product
compartment whereby a consumer receives a vended product during a dispensing
operation. Vending machines according to some embodiments may be used, for
example,
in spaces that may not traditionally be occupied by vending machines, such as
narrow
hallways (see, for example, FIG. 4).
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100241 Vending machines as described herein may include a product
compartment for
storing and dispensing products (e.g. foods or beverages) that is disposed,
for example,
behind a wall, partially or fully in a wall, or at a remote location that is
interconnected to
but spatially separated from a dispensing port whereby a consumer receives a
vended
product during a dispensing operation.
[0025] Embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to
the figures.
With reference to FIGS. 1-2, a vending machine 10 may include a product
compartment
100, a product storage system 110, a support structure 120, a dispensing port
130, and a
product delivery system 140.
[0026] Product compartment 100 is configured to store, display, and/or
dispense one or
more products 200 to be vended to a consumer. Products 200 are stored in
product storage
system 110 and may include perishable and non-perishable products. Products
200 may
include, but are not limited to, chips, candy bars, soft drinks, water,
carbonated water,
juices, alcoholic beverages, sports drinks, or other pre-made packaged goods.
[0027] Product compartment 100 may include a top surface 101, a bottom
surface 102,
and sides 104. The distance between top surface 101 and bottom surface 102 may
define a
height 103 of product compartment 100.
[0028] In some embodiments, support structure 120 is configured to support
product
compartment 100 in an elevated position such that vending machine 10 may be
conveniently located and may have a reduced footprint. As shown in FIGS. 1-2,
support
structure 120 may include one or more support walls 121, each of which may
include a
first end 123 and a second end 124. In some embodiments, support structure 120
may be
generally U-shaped and may include two support walls 121 interconnected to
product
compartment 100. The support walls 121 may be substantially parallel to one
another and
first ends 123 of support walls 121 may be disposed on opposing sides 104 of
product
compartment 100. Support walls 121 may be substantially plumb relative to a
floor 410,
and second ends 124 of support walls 121 may be in communication with floor
410.
[0029] Support structure 120 may support product compartment 100 such that
product
compartment 100 is disposed vertically above floor 410 and a void 126 (e.g.,
an empty or
unoccupied space) is disposed below the product compartment 100. The void 126
may be
disposed in the area between one or more support walls 121 and beneath bottom
surface
102 of product compartment 100. It will be appreciated that floor 410, for
ease of
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description, is called a floor, however it may be another surface on which
support
structure 120 may be disposed such as, for example, the ground, a sidewalk, or
a parking
lot. In some embodiments, a height 103 of product compartment 100 may be less
than the
distance between floor 410 and bottom surface 102 of product compartment 100,
which
may define the height of void 126. In this manner, the ratio of the height 103
of product
compartment 100 to the height of void 126 may be less than 1. In some
embodiments, the
ratio of the height 103 of product compartment 100 to the height of void 126
may be less
than 0.5. In some embodiments, the ratio of the height 103 of product
compartment 100 to
the height of void 126 may be less than 0.2.
[0030] In some embodiments, void 126 may be sufficiently sized, and may
have
sufficient height, area, and/or volume, such that a structure 420 may be
disposed within or
partially within void 126. Structure 420 may be, for example, a fuel dispenser
(e.g., a gas
station gasoline pump), a shelf, a retail display, or a doorway. Structure 420
may also be,
for example, an advertisement structure, an area for consumer engagement, a
smaller
vending machine, a drinking fountain, a soda fountain, or a bicycle rack. In
some
embodiments, void 126 may have dimensions such that a human may walk upright
into or
through void 126. In some embodiments, bottom surface 102 of product
compartment 100
may be vertically displaced from floor 410 by at least 4 feet. In some
embodiments,
bottom surface 102 of product compartment 100 may be vertically displaced from
floor
410 by greater than 6 feet. In some embodiments, bottom surface 102 of product
compartment 100 may be vertically displaced from floor 410 by a distance
between 6.5
feet and 8 feet, inclusive. In some embodiments, two substantially parallel
support walls
121 may be laterally displaced by at least 2 feet.
[0031] In some embodiments, product compartment 100 comprises an elongated
rectangular cuboid shape. In some embodiments, product compartment 100 may
comprise
other shapes, including, for example, cubical, tubular, cylindrical or
frustoconical, and
may or may not be symmetrical about any axis. Product compartment 100 may
include a
door 107 that is disposed on top surface 101, bottom surface 102, or a side
104 of product
compartment 100. Door 107 may provide access to the interior 108 of product
compartment 100, where products 200 are stored in product storage system 110.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 5-6, product storage system 110 may be used for
storing and
organizing products 200, and may include one or more product receptacles 114.
In some
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embodiments, products 200 may be arranged into a column 111 within product
receptacle
114. Multiple columns 111 of products 200 may be positioned adjacent to one
another,
forming a row 112 of products 200. As shown in FIG. 2, product compartment 100
may
include a single horizontal row 112 formed by twelve columns 111 of products
200.
However, product compartment 100 may include any number of rows 112 in any
arrangement (e.g., horizontal, vertical, and/or diagonal) formed by any number
of
columns 111.
[0033] In some embodiments, product receptacle 114 may include one or more
product
actuators 119 in which, or on which, for example, products 200 are disposed.
Product
actuator 119 may be a mechanism for displacing products 200 during a
dispensing
operation. In one embodiment, product actuator 119 comprises a coil that
linearly
displaces products 200 when rotated. In other embodiments, product actuator
119 may
comprise a conveyer system that linearly displaces products 200, or a
hydraulic,
pneumatic, or electrical actuator that pushes or pulls products 200.
[0034] As shown, for example, in FIGS. 9A and 9B, one or more sides 104 of
product
compartment 100 may include one or more display windows 106, thereby allowing
a
consumer to see into product compartment 100. The number and/or position of
display
windows 106 may or may not correspond to the number and/or position of rows
112 of
products 200. In some embodiments, one of more sides 104 of product
compartment 100
may be made of a transparent material (e.g., glass or plastic), thereby
allowing a
consumer to see into the product compartment 100. In some embodiments, the
display
window 106 may include a lens or other component to magnify the size of the
product
200 displayed within the window. Because the product compartment 200 may be
elevated
at a vertical height away from the user, magnifying the product 200 may
facilitate the
consumer viewing the product selections from a greater distance.
[0035] In some embodiments, the position of product storage system 110 may
be rigidly
interconnected to product compartment 100. In other embodiments, however, the
position
of product storage system 110 may be adjustable (or product storage system 110
may be
removable from product compartment 100) to facilitate the addition of products
200 to
product storage system 110, as shown, for example, in FIG. 7. Similarly, each
of product
receptacles 114 of product storage system 110 may be individually adjustable
or
removable from product compartment 100. For example, in one embodiment, a
product
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receptacle 114 may be tilted or lowered to facilitate loading. Door 107 may be
opened to
allow for the adjustment or removal of product receptacle 114.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, a first end 116 of product
receptacle
114 may be rotatably interconnected though a hinge 115 to product compartment
100, and
a second end 117 of product receptacle 114 (or a point along the length of
product
receptacle 114) may be interconnected through a biasing member 118 to product
compartment 100 such that product receptacle 114 is supported in a
substantially
horizontal position within product compartment 100. A tangential force 430 may
then be
applied at second end 117 of product receptacle 114, thereby causing product
receptacle
114 to rotate about hinge 115. Biasing member 118 may be, for example, a gas
strut, gas
spring, coil spring, or other linear or non-linear biasing mechanism. Biasing
member 118
may also be located at first end 116, and may be, for example, a torsional
spring.
[0037] In some embodiments, hinge 115 and biasing member 118 may be
interchanged
with another means for operably raising or lowering one or both ends 116, 117
of product
receptacle 114. For example, one or more hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical
actuators
may be used to raise or lower one of first or second ends 116, 117 of product
receptacle
114, or to raise or lower both first and second ends 116, 117 of product
receptacle 114
simultaneously. In some embodiments, product receptacle 114 may be raised or
lowered
manually, and secured in place in a variety of ways, such as, for example,
with a pin or
other locking mechanism.
[0038] Product receptacle 114 may also be configured to receive a product
cartridge 210,
which may be filled with products 200 (e.g., a column 111 of products 200)
prior to its
placement in product receptacle 114.
[0039] Product compartment 100 may include a cooling system for cooling
products 200
or maintaining products 200 at a consistent temperature. Cooling system may
be, for
example, an air conditioning system, a heat pump, a refrigeration or freezer
system, an
evaporative cooler, or other temperature reduction system.
[0040] In some embodiments, product compartment 100 may include an
inventory
tracking system for monitoring the quantity and types of products 200 disposed
in product
storage system 110. The inventory tracking system may communicate (e.g.,
wirelessly)
information about the quantity and types of products 200 in product storage
system 110 to
a remote location.
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100411 Although shown in FIGS. 1-2 as having two substantially parallel
support walls
121, support structure 120 may include more than or fewer than two support
walls 121. In
some embodiments support structure 120 may include two substantially parallel
support
walls 121 and a back support wall 122 disposed on three adjacent sides 104 of
product
compartment 100. Void 126 may be formed in the area between walls 121, 122 and
beneath bottom surface 102 of product compartment 100 (see, for example, FIG.
8).
Similarly, support structure 120 may include two support walls 121 disposed on
adjacent
sides 104 of product compartment 100, or may include only one support wall
121.
Support walls 121 may also be replaced with another means for supporting
product
compartment 100 such as, for example, a frame, a mount, or one or more legs,
columns,
arches, or beams.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 10, in some embodiments, support structure 120 may
include
building walls 125 configured to support product compartment 100 in an
elevated
position, where product compartment 100 extends between building walls 125.
One or
more sides 104 with one or more display windows 106 may be substantially
perpendicular to the building walls 125. Void 126 may be formed in the area
between
building walls 125 and beneath bottom surface 102 of product compartment 100.
[0043] In some embodiments, a single building wall 125 may support product
compartment 100 in an elevated position, and a side 104 with one or more
display
windows 106 may be substantially parallel to the building wall 125. In some
embodiments, a single building wall 125 may support product compartment 100 in
an
elevated position, and one or more sides 104 with one or more display windows
106 may
be substantially perpendicular to the building wall 125. In some embodiments,
product
compartment 100 may be partially disposed within and supported by a building
wall 125,
and a side 104 with one or more display windows 106 may be substantially
parallel to the
building wall 125.
[0044] In some embodiments, support structure 120 may be removably coupled
to
product compartment 100, for example, with bolts. In some embodiments, support
structure 120 may be permanently affixed to product compartment 100, for
example, with
welds or an adhesive. In some embodiments, support structure 120 and product
compartment 100 may form an integral housing.
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[0045] In some embodiments, dispensing port 130 may include a dispensing
opening 131
and a user interface 132. Dispensing opening 131 may be an aperture whereby a
consumer receives a vended product. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 1-2,
dispensing
opening 131 may comprise a generally square shape, however it may take other
shapes,
including, for example, circular or rectangular. User interface 132 may
include a means
for receiving consumer input (e.g., electromechanical buttons), a means for
communicating with a consumer (e.g., a visual display), and/or a combined
means for
receiving input and communicating with a consumer (e.g., a touch screen
display). User
interface 132 may include a combination of buttons, visual displays, and/or
touch screens.
User interface 132 may display information about products 200 in product
compartment
100. User interface 132 may include one or more means for accepting payment
from a
consumer (e.g., a bill validator, coin slot, or credit card reader). In some
embodiments, a
consumer may use an application on a mobile communications device (e.g., a
smartphone) to select and purchase product 200 to be vended.
[0046] In some embodiments, dispensing port 130 may be disposed within
void 126. In
some embodiments, dispensing port 130 may be disposed outside of void 126. In
some
embodiments, dispensing port 130 may be coupled to a support wall 121. In some
embodiments, dispensing port 130 may be disposed above, below, or at a side of
product
compartment 100. In some embodiments, dispensing port 130 may be disposed in a
different room than product compartment 100.
[0047] In some embodiments, dispensing opening 131 and user interface 132
may be
disposed within a housing 133. Housing 133 may be fully or partially hollow.
The
position of housing 133 may be fixed relative to product compartment 100 or
may be
manually or automatically adjustable as described further below.
[0048] Dispensing port 130 may be interconnected to product compartment
100 by way
of a passage 136. A first end 137 of passage 136 may be disposed at a
compartment
opening 109 in product compartment 100, and a second end 138 of passage 136
may be
disposed at a housing opening 134 in housing 133, such that a product 200 may
be moved
from product compartment 100, though passage 136, and into housing 133 where a
consumer may receive the product 200 from dispensing port 130. Although shown
in
FIGS. 1-2 as being substantially straight, passage 136 may take many forms and
may
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include one or more bends, curves, and/or transitions, and may pass through
other
structures, for example, a wall.
[0049] In some embodiments, passage 136 may be telescoping such that the
distance
between first and second ends 137, 138 of passage 136 is adjustable, and,
therefore, the
position of dispensing port 130 is variable relative to product compartment
100.
Similarly, in some embodiments, passage 136 may be flexible or collapsible
such that the
distance between first and second ends 137, 138 of passage 136 is adjustable,
and,
therefore, the position of dispensing port 130 is variable relative to product
compartment
100. In some embodiments, dispensing port 130 may be spatially separated from
product
compartment 100 by at least 1 foot (e.g., between 2 and 10 feet). In some
embodiments,
vending machine 10 may include one or more sensors 135 (see, for example, FIG.
6) that
measure the height of an approaching consumer and adjust the position of
housing 133
(using, for example, an actuator) such that dispensing opening 131 and user
interface 132
are at a comfortable and convenient height for the consumer.
[0050] In some embodiments, vending machine 10 may include more than one
dispensing
ports 130 disposed on various sides 104 of product compartment 100 such that
vending
machine 10 may dispense products 200 to consumers at several locations (see,
for
example, FIGS. 9A ¨ 9B).
[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, product delivery system 140 may include a first
robotic
implement 142 and a second robotic implement 144. In some embodiments, first
robotic
implement 142 and/or second robotic implement 144 may include a robotic arm
configured to automatically lift, hold, and/or transport a product 200. In
some
embodiments, first robotic implement 142 and/or second robotic implement 144
may
include a cup, container, clamp, suction system, or claw configured to hold a
product 200.
In some embodiments, first robotic implement 142 and/or second robotic
implement 144
may include a robotic track system, a linear actuator, a conveyer, and/or
another
component configured to automatically receive and transport a product 200. In
some
embodiments, first robotic implement 142 may be disposed within product
compartment
100 and may move transversely along a horizontal axis (e.g., an x-axis
direction) of
product compartment 100. In some embodiments, second robotic implement 144 may
be
disposed within passage 136 and may move longitudinally along a vertical axis
(e.g., a y-
axis direction) within passage 136. Although shown in FIG. 5 as having two
robotic
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implements 142, 144, product delivery system 140 may take other forms, and may
include more than, or fewer than two robotic implements. In some embodiments,
product
delivery system 140 may include one or more shoots, slides, or passageways to
move
product 200 from product compartment 100 to dispensing port 130 using the
force of
gravity.
[0052] During a dispensing operation according to some embodiments, a
consumer may
approach dispensing port 130, which may automatically adjust to the consumer's
height.
Then, the consumer may select and provide payment for a product 200 to be
vended
using, for example, user interface 132 or an application on a mobile
communications
device. Next, first robotic implement 142 may move such that first product
holder 143 is
positioned to receive the selected product 200 from product receptacle 114.
Product
actuator 119 may then move product 200 into first product holder 143 or,
alternatively,
first product holder 143 may take product 200 from product receptacle 114.
Then, first
robotic implement 142 may move horizontally through product compartment 100
toward
second robotic implement 144, where second product holder 145 may receive
product
200 from first product holder 143. Then, second robotic implement 144 may move
vertically though passage 136 toward dispensing port 130. Finally, second
product holder
145 may release product 200 into dispensing port 130, where the consumer may
receive
product 200 from dispensing opening 131.
[0053] During a dispensing operation according to some embodiments of the
invention, a
consumer may select and provide payment for a product 200 to be vended using,
for
example, user interface 132 or an application on a mobile communications
device. Next,
first robotic implement 142 may move such that first product holder 143 is
positioned to
receive the selected product 200 from product receptacle 114. Product actuator
119 may
then move product 200 into first product holder 143 or, alternatively, first
product holder
143 may take product 200 from product receptacle 114. Then, first robotic
implement 142
may move through product compartment 100 toward second robotic implement 144,
where second product holder 145 may receive product 200 from first product
holder 143.
Then, second robotic implement 144 may move though passage 136 toward
dispensing
port 130. Finally, second product holder 145 may release product 200 into
dispensing port
130, where the consumer may receive product 200 from dispensing opening 131.
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[0054] During a dispensing operation according to some embodiments of the
invention, a
consumer may select and provide payment for a product 200 to be vended using,
for
example, user interface 132 or an application on a mobile communications
device. Next,
first robotic implement 142 may move such that first product holder 143 is
positioned to
receive the selected product 200 from product receptacle 114. Product actuator
119 may
then move product 200 into first product holder 143 or, alternatively, first
product holder
143 may take product 200 from product receptacle 114. Then, first robotic
implement 142
may move through product compartment 100 toward passage 136. Then, first
product
holder 143 may release product 200 into passage 136, where the force of
gravity moves
product 200 though passage 136 and into dispensing port 130, where the
consumer may
receive product 200 from dispensing opening 131.
[0055] During a dispensing operation according to some embodiments of the
invention, a
consumer may select and provide payment for a product 200 to be vended using,
for
example, user interface 132 or an application on a mobile communications
device. Next
product actuator 119 may move product 200 from product receptacle 114, where
the force
of gravity moves product 200 though passage 136 and into dispensing port 130,
where the
consumer may receive product 200 from dispensing opening 131.
[0056] It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and
not the Summary
and Abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The
Summary and
Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments
of the
present invention(s) as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not
intended to limit
the present invention(s) and the appended claims in any way.
[0057] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully
reveal the
general nature of the invention(s) that others can, by applying knowledge
within the skill
of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific
embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general
concept of the present invention(s). Therefore, such adaptations and
modifications are
intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed
embodiments,
based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood
that the
phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of
limitation,
such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be
interpreted
by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.
CA 03112315 2021-03-09
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[0058] The breadth and scope of the present invention(s) should not be
limited by any of
the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in
accordance
with the following claims and their equivalents.
